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Zoey Zhang

A Japanese tourist in China experienced incredible kindness from locals after a car accident, actions which completely shifted her perception of the host country.
On December 14, a woman known online as @takomanmaru shared her story on social media. Her post went viral, attracting more than 1.9 million views.
A fan of Chinese singer Su Ruiqi, she opened a takoyaki shop in Osaka after discovering her idol’s interest in the Japanese savoury snack.

Takomanmaru recently travelled to Beijing to see Su perform.
However, while on the way to the airport for her return to Japan, she was involved in a car accident and rushed to hospital.
She reportedly suffered injuries to her spine, nose and teeth, forcing her to cancel her flight.
In her post, Takomanmaru expressed gratitude for the kindness and promptness of everyone who helped her, from police and airport staff to doctors and translators.

At the hospital, when her credit card could not cover the medical fees, a member of staff stepped in to pay and told her.
“Everyone who comes to China is a friend. It is tough enough going through an accident like this. Consider me a friend, and I wish you a safe journey.”
The gesture brought her much-needed relief.
Doctors used a translation app to ensure she received proper care.
Takomanmaru overheard one doctor saying they needed to learn more languages to treat international patients, which impressed her.

She described the tone of Chinese people as sometimes stiff, but noted that the doctors were genuinely focused on providing the best care.
“The medical environment I experienced was genuine, professional and incredibly warm,” she said.
Takomanmaru’s online Chinese friends, who are also fans of Su, sent her messages of support and prayers. One also suggested she contact the Japanese embassy for more help.
At the airport, staff escorted her in a wheelchair and helped her onto her flight to Japan. During the flight, the attendants frequently checked on her health.
Takomanmaru said: “I do not think that was part of their job; it was an expression of human kindness.”
By the end of her post, she reflected on how her perception of China had changed.
“Although national images and media reports often lead to misunderstandings, the people I met and the ones living there were actually very kind and warm,” she wrote.
In November, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks about Taiwan that infuriated Beijing, escalating tensions between the two neighbours.
Frictions flared again more than a week ago when Chinese and Japanese fighter jets were involved in a confrontation.

Amid this backdrop, Takomanmaru’s post quickly struck a chord online.
One Japanese netizen wrote: “The world may not run solely on goodwill, but I hope this kindness spreads. There are many wonderful people in China, just like in every country.”
“More Japanese people need to know about these amazing Chinese individuals. The idea that all Chinese people are bad is wrong, and as a Japanese, I feel ashamed of this,” said another.
A Chinese online observer wrote: “We are often influenced by biased information, leading to misunderstandings or even dislikes of people we have never met.
“But when we finally connect and face challenges, we realise that those we have been taught to view as ‘the enemy’ are often the ones most willing to help.”


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Japanese tourist in China receives extreme kindness after car crash, changing perceptions

A Japanese tourist in Beijing has expressed gratitude after she received extraordinary kindness following a car accident. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/X.com

The mangled wreckage of Takomanmaru’s car after the accident. Photo: QQ.com

The post-crash interior of Takomanmaru’s car. She suffered injuries to her spine, nose and teeth. Photo: QQ.com

Takomanmaru received many goodwill messages from Chinese netizens. Photo: QQ.com

Tourists in a snowy Beijing. Takomanmaru’s positive experience came despite current tensions between Japan and China. Photo: Xinhua

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People & Culture

Amid Sino-Japanese tensions, woman describes treatment she received as ‘incredibly warm, genuine and professional’


Amid Sino-Japanese tensions, woman describes treatment she received as ‘incredibly warm, genuine and professional’.


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Taiwan

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Sanae Takaichi

Japanese tourist in China receives extreme kindness after car crash, changing perceptions

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Amid Sino-Japanese tensions, woman describes treatment she received as ‘incredibly warm, genuine and professional’

Amid Sino-Japanese tensions, woman describes treatment she received as ‘incredibly warm, genuine and professional’